Grant to help West Side pet owners

Updated 11:12 pm, Friday, December 20, 2013

SAN ANTONIO — Animal Care Services has received a $50,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to bring resources and services to pet owners on the West Side.

The program, named Pets for Life, offers aid to neighborhoods across the nation with limited access to pet-related services. ACS was the only municipal shelter in Texas to qualify for the one-year grant. San Antonio is one of 22 cities to take part in the program established by the Humane Society of the United States in 2011.

District 5 City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales said the program will allow residents to help their pets in a way that will lead to long-term change for the animals, families and the community.

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“Pets love us unconditionally and as pet owners we have the responsibility to love them in return,” Gonzales said in a statement.

The program is scheduled to start in January.

The humane society and District 5 will collaborate with ACS in the 78207 ZIP code area to offer free or low-cost services, including spaying or neutering and vaccinations. Other parts of the program include mentorship and training.

A key component of the humane society-managed program will be an in-house Pets for Life coordinator, who will work with residents to access services for their pets.

The state director of the humane society, Katie Jarl, said the program helps pets remain in their homes for life and prevent them from going into shelters.

“This allows us to go into the community, ask them what they need and how we can be of help,” she said. “It doesn't matter what ZIP code you live in, people love their pets.”

Jarl said San Antonio is making strides in underserved communities. She said ACS Director Kathy Davis and the city contacted the humane society after learning about the program and a new round of grants.

“They have the passion and dedication it takes to make programs like this a success,” Jarl said. “We know this grant money will be put to good use.”